How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are several methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to make an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able locate one close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, G28 the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration as well as title and G28 insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it safe. That way, if you lose your keys, g28 you'll be in a position to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.

VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. It's more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able assist you. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If your smart key was stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. Dealers will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to do this ensure you have all of the information needed including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact an expert locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

A locksmith should be able replace lost car key traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car however, a professional locksmith has the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also offer advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost keys car or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.